“What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” Eccl 3:9-13
International Workers Day is celebrated as an acknowledgment to the people who make up the “working class.” It is work that moves the needle in progress. The working class is the heartbeat of commerce and industry worldwide. It is made up of the vast majority of working men and women today.
The Bible has much to say about work. God made the Earth in six days and then rested on the seventh. Man was admonished to work six days and rest on the seventh, as well. So from the foundations of the Earth mankind has been instructed to work.
The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom regarding work.
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” Proverbs 12:11
“Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.” Proverbs 12:24
“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” Proverbs 13:4
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Proverbs 14:23
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5
“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” Proverbs 22:29
In all of these scriptures, it is hard work and diligence which leads to prosperity. The old saying “Put your head down, pull up your bootstraps and get to work” is as sound advice today as it was when King Solomon wrote the Proverbs. On the flip side of these scriptures there is plenty to learn on the “what not to do” end. First and foremost laziness is the biggest offender. Dreamers and talkers come in a close second. Have you ever worked with someone who spends more time trying to figure out how to do things differently than just getting it done? How about the one who talks about getting it done but never actually gets to it? It is frustrating to work with folks like that. Laziness can be contagious, but if we put our hands to the plow we will be rewarded for our hard work.
Work should be fulfilling and rewarding. It should bring a sense of accomplishment to our lives. It can also be very hard and time-consuming. Sometimes work is just not enjoyable. It can, at times, be difficult to keep a good attitude and outlook regarding work. But it is a necessary part of our lives. So the best thing to do is get encouraged, get motivated and get excited about work and how it can become a fulfilling part of lives, not just a necessity.
God instructed Adam to work and care for the Garden of Eden. He was told what he should and should not do in regards to caring for the garden and enjoying the fruits of his labor. And when Adam decided to disobey God and eat from the ONE tree he was told not to, there were terrible consequences. So from the beginning, there has been an established precedent that honesty, integrity and respect for the boss’ instructions are the first requirements for success in the workplace. And since there is nothing new under the sun, it is still good and sound advice.
The chain of authority should always be respected. That’s a tough one in a world where boundaries are blurred and authority is challenged day in and day out. But in the end of the day, respect always wins out. That goes both ways. If you are a person in authority remember from where you came. Remember that you were once a subordinate. Remember that it is always a pleasure to work for someone who is respected and has respect for others.
Workers Day is a day of celebration. It reminds us to put in an honest day’s work in order to receive fulfillment in our daily lives. It reminds us that we are valuable to the progress of mankind. It reminds us to appreciate having the work so that we can enjoy the fruit of our labors with the people we love. Happy Labour Day!
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3
